Shape-Adjustable Chroma Key Compatible Mannequin or Body Suit, and Associated 3D Image Capture Equipment

ABSTRACT

A body suit resembles at least a partial human body form for use in design, customization, alteration, testing and modeling of garments. The suit includes a plurality of fluid-expandable layers, including an outer skin layer divided into an outer plurality of selectively expandable in varying degrees or quantities to create a variable exterior skin contour. One or more additional fluid-expandable layers underlie the outer skin layer to establish a variable internal tissue depth further contributing to an overall outer body contour of the body suit. An exterior of the body suit is colored or colorable in blue or green to enable chroma key isolation of garment adorned over the suit. Sensors are arrayed over the exterior surface area of the suit for dimensional and pressure measurements, and rotational support structures and cooperating 3D scanners and track-based scanner movement enable 3D imaging of the modeled garment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/695,408 filed Jul. 9, 2018, the entiretyof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In the garment industry, it has been previously proposed to useshape-adjustable mannequins in order to allow designers and tailors toquickly customize a mannequin that accurately represents their customer,is reusable across a plurality of different customers, and enables thedesigner/tailor to accommodate the possible changes in a customer's bodyover time (for example, weight gain/loss, change in muscle tone, etc.).Custom fabrication of individual mannequins for each customer, whetherby custom molding, machining or additive manufacturing, is time and costprohibitive, and space intensive, and cannot conveniently account forvariations in a customer's body shape over time.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,554,096 and 9,696,130 by Amazon Technologies Inc.discloses photographic modeling of clothing on such mannequins through arange of sizes, thereby allowing online shoppers to view anapproximation of what a garment would like on a body type similar totheir own. The reference describes incorporation of movable portions inor on the mannequin, listing such examples as electric motors, hydrauliccomponents, magnetic components or inflatable components, but with noexecutional details other than a brief mention of motor driven screwsfor expanding and collapsing the movable portions in various dimensions.

U.S. Patent Application 2013/0238285 by Clonnequin Pty Ltd. discloses asize adjustable mannequin used for stress testing garments, assessing aweight gain allowance afforded by a garment, aiding in the fabricationof tailor made garments, and simulating the appearance of a garment onthe customer. The detailed embodiment uses an array of pistons to varythe outer profile of the mannequin. The reference includes optional useof a 3D scanning device to obtain an outer body contour of a customer tobe mimicked by the mannequin.

European Patent 2 568 835 by Euveka discloses a pneumaticallyshape-adjustable mannequin employing individual air bladders situatedbetween an internal skeletal structure and an outer layer of chainmailthat protects the bladders from puncture by needles used during thetailoring process.

Chinese Utility Model 203341056 discloses a mannequin in the form of asealed hollow body of elastic material whose interior is divided into aplurality of separate inflatable cavities.

Chinese Patent 103976495 discloses another inflatable mannequin, butinstead of separate cavities or individual bladders, a single inflatablebody is used, and small motor driven winches arrayed inside the bodypull inwardly on tether lines anchored to the outer skin so that inwardpuckering of different areas changes the overall outer shape contour ofthe body.

There remains room for novelty and improvement in the design of shapeadjustable mannequins, the materials used to create shape adjustablemannequins, and new useful applications for same, particularly since themannequins of the prior art offer limited shape adaptability due to useof relatively large inflation cavities or bladders, or require bulky orcomplex mechanical solutions such as a large array of motorized winchesor displaceable pistons.

Additionally, there's a need for solutions for convenient and accurate3D image capture of mannequin modeled garments, particularly in theforgoing instance of shape adjustable mannequins that can be used toaccurately model the human body, for example so that a customer canbenefit from a comprehensive 3D viewing of a garment of interest as itwould fit on their unique body shape.

Prior publications concerning image capture of modeled clothing or 3Dimage capture of various subjects or scenes include US2008/0262944A1,U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,834,960, 7,039,486, 9,542,769, U.S. Ser. No.10/096,141, DE102007052300, KR20180060160, CN105301887, CN204065655 andCN203482294, but none of which are particularly well suited to theapplications contemplated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a shapeadjustable body comprising:

a body suit resembling a partial or complete human body form, andcomprising a plurality of fluid-expandable layers, including:

-   -   an outer skin layer comprising an outer plurality of        fluid-expandable cells arranged for selective fluid-driven        expansion thereof in varying degrees or quantities to create a        variable exterior skin contour of said body suit; and    -   one or more additional layers underlying the outer skin layer        and arranged for selective fluid-driven expansion thereof        varying degrees or quantities to create a variable internal        tissue depth beneath said variable exterior skin contour of said        body suit, whereby the variable skeletal/tissue depth and        variable exterior skin contour cooperatively determine an        overall outer body contour of the body suit.

Preferably, the one or more additional layers each comprise a respectiveplurality of fluid-expandable cells of larger size than the outerplurality of fluid-expandable cells in the outer skin layer.

Preferably, the one or more additional layers comprises an innermostlayer contributing a skeletal/muscular shape profile, and anintermediate layer disposed between the innermost layer and the outerskin layer and contributing a fat tissue contour atop saidskeletal/muscular shape profile.

Preferably, the outer skin layer comprises a fluid channel underlying atleast some of the outer plurality of fluid-expandable cells, each ofwhich is fluidly communicable with said fluid channel through arespective control valve operable to control opening and closing of theouter plurality of fluid-expandable cells to said fluid channel.

Preferably, at least some of the outer plurality of fluid-expandablecells each have at least one of the following:

(a) a positional sensor that is mounted on, embedded in, or integratedwithin an outer envelope of the outermost skin layer and is operable tomonitor a position in space to which said positional sensor is displacedby fluid-driven expansion of said body suit;

(b) a flow sensor operable to measure fluid flow into thefluid-expandable cell;

(c) a pressure sensor mounted on, embedded in, or integrated within anouter envelope of the outermost skin layer operable to gauge a tightnessof a garment adorned thereover.

Preferably, the shape adjustable body is used in combination with apressurized fluid source and a computerized controller storing bodyshape data representative of a targeted human body shape to be emulatedby said body suit, wherein said pressurized fluid source is coupled tothe body suit to convey pressurized fluid to the fluid-expandable cells,the computerized controller is connected to a plurality of valvesinstalled in fluid pathways between the pressurized fluid source and theouter plurality of fluid-expandable cells, and the computerizedcontroller, based on a mapping of body measurement data points from thebody shape data to the plurality of fluid-expandable outer cells, isoperable to control said plurality of valves to selectively expand thefluid-expandable cells to emulate the targeted human body shape.

In some embodiments, the body suit comprises internally locatedillumination sources operable to impart colored illumination to anexterior of the outer skin layer to simulate a skin color of a humansubject.

In some embodiments, an exterior of the outer skin layer is colored, orarranged for selective coloring, in green or blue for enablingapplication of chroma key compositing techniques to video or stillimages taken of said body suit.

In such embodiments, the internally located illumination sources may beoperable to impart blue or green color to the exterior of the outer skinlayer.

In some embodiments, said body suit has a hollow central space thatspans head to toe of said body suit and is surrounded by the outermostskin layer and the one or more additional layers, whereby said body suitcompatible for use with a separate core body over which the body suit iswearable as a separate cover.

In some embodiments, there are a set of tether anchors mounted ormountable at extremities of the body suit, and for each tether anchor,at least one tether having a first end connected or connectable to saidtether anchor and a second end connectable to a sleeve, leg cuff or hemof a garment worn over said body suit to prevent said garment fromriding up from the extremities of said body suit during expansionthereof.

The shape adjustable body may be used in combination with in combinationwith a rotational support structure by which said shape adjustable bodyis rotatably supported or supportable to enable driven rotation of saidshape-adjustable body about an axis by the rotational support structureto enable image capture of any garments adorned on said shape adjustablebody from multiple sides thereof.

Preferably, the rotational support structure comprises a fluidconveyance conduit supported thereon, or incorporated thereinto, toenable said fluid-driven expansion of the fluid-expandable cells of thebody suit via said fluid conveyance conduit while said shape adjustablebody is connected to the rotational support for driven rotation thereby.

Preferably, said fluid conveyance conduit enters said body suit on oralong said axis.

Preferably, the rotational support structure comprises a fluid pumpsupported thereon, or incorporated thereinto, to effect said fluid-basedfluid-driven expansion of the fluid-expandable cells of the body suit.

The combination may further comprise an image capture guidance assemblycomprising a track placed or placeable in an upright working positionfacing the axis of the rotational support structure at a distanceoutward therefrom, a carriage configured for back and forth movementalong said track in upward and downward directions thereon, and a holderon said carriage adapted to hold a digital imaging device thereon in anorientation facing toward the axis of the rotational support to captureimagery of the shape-adjustable body when rotatably supported by therotational support structure, whereby movement of the carriage up anddown said track enables image capture by said digital imaging device atmultiple elevations along said track.

Preferably, said track has a curved shape with a concave side that, inthe working position, faces toward the axis of the rotational supportstructure.

Preferably, said track is sized and shaped to place a lower segment ofits concave side below a midsection of the shape adjustable body toimpart an upwardly angled point of view to the digital imaging device atelevations below said midsection.

Preferably, said track is sized and shaped to place an upper segment ofits concave side above a midsection of the shape adjustable body toimpart a downwardly angled point of view to the digital imaging deviceat elevations above said midsection.

Preferably, said track is sized and shaped to place a central region ofits concave side at generally equal elevation to a midsection of theshape adjustable body to impart a straight-on point of view to thedigital imaging device at said generally equal elevation to themidsection of the shape adjustable body.

Preferably, said track is attached or selectively attachable to therotational support structure in a manner placing said track at apredetermined position relative to said rotational support structure.

Preferably, the combination further comprises a computerized controllerconnected to both the rotational support structure and the image captureguidance system, and configured to co-operably control both rotation ofthe shape adjustable body by the rotational support structure and travelof the carriage back and forth along the track in order to captureimagery of the shape adjustable body from said multiple sides thereofand from said multiple elevations along said track.

Preferably, the computerized controller is configured to communicablyconnect with the digital imaging device separately of the rotationalsupport and the image capture guidance system.

Preferably, the computerized controller is configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the digital imaging device.

Preferably, said image capture guidance system is electrically connectedor connectable the rotational support in a manner enabling sharedpowering and/or control of both thereof from a common power and/orcontrol source.

Preferably, the plurality of fluid-expandable cells of the outer skinlayer comprise at least a first array of fluid-expandable cells, a firstinner envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandable cells, afirst outer envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandablecells, and a first set of dividing walls spanning between the firstinner and outer envelopes to subdivide a first space therebetween intoindividual cells of the first array, whereby fluid-driven expansion ofthe individual cells of the first array in different degrees orquantities will bulge some areas of the first outer envelope furtheroutwardly away from the first inner envelope than other areas, therebyestablishing non-uniformity in the variable exterior skin profile.

Preferably, the outer skin layer comprises a second array offluid-expandable cells underlying the first array of fluid-expandablecells, a second set of divider walls spanning between the inner envelopeof the first array of fluid-expandable cells and an inner envelope ofthe second array of fluid-expandable cells to subdivide a second spacetherebetween into individual cells of the second array which are eachneighboured by an adjacently stacked cell of the first array, and arespective inter-cell control valve installed between each individualcell of the second array and the adjacently stacked cell of the firstarray at the inner envelope of the first array to control airflow intothe adjacently stacked cells of the first array from the individualcells of the second array during expansion of the outer skin layer.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a shapeadjustable body comprising a body suit resembling at least a partialhuman body form and comprising an expandable/collapsible layer thatcomprises at least a first array of fluid-expandable cells, a firstinner envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandable cells, afirst outer envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandablecells, and a first set of dividing walls spanning between the firstinner and outer envelopes to subdivide a first space therebetween intoindividual cells of the first array, whereby fluid-based expansion ofthe individual cells of the first array to different degrees will bulgerespective areas of the first outer envelope further outwardly away fromthe first inner envelope to establish a non-uniform profile at the outerenvelope of said array that contributes to or defines an outer bodycontour of the body suit.

Preferably, the expandable/collapsible layer comprises a second array offluid-expandable cells underlying the first array of fluid-expandablecells, a second set of divider walls spanning between the inner envelopeof the first array of fluid-expandable cells and an inner envelope ofthe second array of fluid-expandable cells to subdivide a second spacetherebetween into individual cells of the second array that eachneighboured by an adjacently stacked cell of the first array, and arespective inter-cell control valve installed between each individualcell of the second array and the adjacently stacked cell of the firstarray at the inner envelope of the first array to control airflow intothe adjacently stacked cells of the first array from the individualcells of the second array during expansion of the expandable/collapsiblelayer.

Preferably, the first outer envelope of the first array of fluidexpandable cells has sensors mounted on, embedded in, or integratedwithin said first outer envelope.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a shapeadjustable body comprising a body suit resembling at least a partialhuman body form and comprising a plurality of fluid-expandable cellsarranged for selective fluid-driven expansion thereof in varying degreesor quantities to create a variable outer body contour of said body suit,and an exterior that is colored, or arranged for selective coloring, ingreen or blue for enabling application of chroma key compositingtechniques to video or still images taken of said body suit.

The shape adjustable body may comprise internally located illuminationsources operable to impart blue or green color to the exterior.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of using the shape adjustable body of the third aspect of theinvention, said method comprising, with the body suit fluidly expandedto acquire a particular outer body contour resembling a targeted humanbody shape, capturing one or more digital images of a garment that isadorned on said body suit in a position covering some areas of said bodysuit while leaving one or more other green or blue colored areas of saidexterior of said body suit exposed outside the garment, then usingchroma key compositing to generate one or more composite images in whichthe one or more other green or blue colored areas of said body suit areomitted.

In some instances, the targeted human body shape is determined by acustomer's body shape, and the one or more composite images arepresented or made available to the customer to provide visual feedbackon a fit of garment on said customer's body shape without requiring saidcustomer to physically try on said garment.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a shapeadjustable body comprising:

-   -   a body suit resembling at least a partial human body form, and        comprising:    -   at least one expandable/collapsible layer that comprises:        -   at least a first array of fluid-expandable cells; and        -   a fluid channel underlying said first array of            fluid-expandable cells, each of which is fluidly            communicable with said fluid channel through a respective            control valve operable to control opening and closing of the            fluid-expandable cells to said fluid channel.

Preferably, there is a second array of fluid-expandable cells overlyingthe first array of fluid-expandable cells, and a respective inter-cellcontrol valve installed between each fluid-expandable cell of the firstarray and an adjacently stacked cell of the second array to controlairflow into the fluid-expandable cells of the second array from thefluid-expandable cells of the first array during expansion of theexpandable/collapsible layer.

Preferably, at least one array of fluid expandable cells comprisessensors mounted on, embedded in, or integrated within an outer envelopeof the fluid expandable cells of said at least one array.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a systemfor modeling clothing on a body form, said system comprising:

-   -   a shape-adjustable mannequin comprising a body suit resembling        at least a partial human body form and comprising plurality of        fluid-expandable cells arranged for selective fluid-driven        expansion thereof in varying degrees or quantities to create a        variable exterior skin contour of said body suit; and a        rotational support structure by which said shape-adjustable        mannequin is rotatably supported or supportable to enable driven        rotation of said shape-adjustable mannequin about an axis by the        rotational support structure to enable image capture of any        garments adorned on said shape-adjustable mannequin from        multiple sides thereof;    -   wherein the system is further characterized by inclusion of at        least one of the following features:    -   (a) a fluid conveyance conduit supported on, or incorporated        into, the rotational support structure to enable said        fluid-driven expansion of the fluid-expandable cells of the body        suit via said fluid conveyance conduit while said        shape-adjustable mannequin is connected to the rotational        support for driven rotation thereby;    -   (b) a fluid pump supported on, or incorporated into, the        rotational support structure to effect said fluid-based        fluid-driven expansion of the fluid-expandable cells of the body        suit.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided asystem for use in three-dimensional image capture of clothing modeled ona body form, said system comprising:

a mannequin; and

a rotational support structure by which said mannequin is rotatablysupported or supportable to enable driven rotation of said mannequinabout an axis by the rotational support structure to enable imagecapture of any garments adorned on said mannequin from multiple sidesthereof; and

an image capture guidance assembly comprising:

-   -   a track placed or placeable in an upright working position        facing the axis of the rotational support at a distance outward        therefrom;    -   a carriage configured for back and forth movement along said        track in upward and downward directions thereon; and    -   a holder on said carriage adapted to hold a digital imaging        device thereon in an orientation facing toward the axis of the        rotational support to capture imagery of the mannequin when        rotatably supported by the rotational support, whereby movement        of the carriage up and down said track enables image capture by        said digital imaging device at multiple elevations along said        track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shape adjustable body suit systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a rear elevational view of an inflatable body suit from thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view showing garments adorned on theinflatable body suit from the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a partial closeup view of the garments and inflatable bodysuit of FIG. 2, illustrating a tether arrangement by which the garmentsare secured in position on the body suit.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inflatable bodysuit of FIG. 2 showing multiple single-array layers thereof in anuninflated state.

FIG. 3A illustrates the same portion of the inflatable body suit as FIG.3A, but in an inflated state.

FIG. 4 is simplified schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3A,but of an embodiment featuring multi-array layers capable a greatershape variation than the single-array layers of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 is a schematic elevational view of a core body over which theinflatable body suit can be disposed in order to cooperatively create ashape-adjustable mannequin.

FIG. 6 is a schematic elevational view of a wall-mounted rotationalsupport carrying the core body of FIG. 5 to enable rotatableviewing/scanning of the shape-adjustable mannequin.

FIG. 7 is a schematic elevational view of the core body of FIG. 5rotatably supported in a similar manner by a stand-alone rotationalsupport.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevational view of a variant of the wall-mountedrotational support of FIG. 6, which incorporates additional elements forinflation of the body suit of the shape-adjustable mannequin.

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevational view of a variant of the stand-alonerotational support of FIG. 7, which incorporates additional elements forinflation of the body suit of the shape-adjustable mannequin.

FIG. 10 is a schematic elevational view of another variant of thestand-alone rotational support of FIG. 9, which adds an additional imagecapture guidance system to enable comprehensive three-dimensionalimaging of the body suit and any adorned garments thereon.

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the rotational support and image captureguidance system of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a track of the imagecapture guidance system, illustrating a motorized carriage that travelsup and down the track with a digital imaging device carried thereon tocapture images of the garment-adorned body suit from different vantagepoints.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a shape-adjustable body suit system according to onepreferred embodiment of the present invention, in which afluid-expandable body suit 10 is co-operable with a pressurized fluidsource 12 fluidly connected thereto to vary the suit's outer dimensionsand outer shape contour by selective fluid-driven expansion of variousfluid cells arrayed throughout the body suit 10. The term fluid is usedherein in its broadest sense, thus encompassing both gases and liquids,and so the pressurized fluid source 12 for conveying fluid into the bodysuit under pressure may be any variety of fluid pump. In one preferredembodiment, the fluid pump is an air compressor or blower that draws inambient air from the surrounding environment and pumps it into the bodysuit. Such pneumatic embodiments employing ambient air as thepressurized fluid for filling the fluid cells reduce the potential messof leakage/spillage in hydraulic embodiments that would instead useliquid to fill and expand the fluid cells. Pneumatic embodiments mayalso benefit from reduced system complexities by using ambient air asthe fluid source for an open-loop fluid circuit that eliminates the needfor a return line that would connect the body suit back to the fluidpump in a closed loop. While the drawings show both a supply line 14from the pressurized fluid source 12 to the body suit 10 and a returnline 16 from the body suit 10 back to the pressurized fluid source 12,thereby denoting optional use of a closed loop fluid circuit, it willtherefore be appreciated that the return line may optionally be omittedin the case of an open loop pneumatic circuit.

A computerized controller 18 comprises one or more computers each havingat least one processor and one or more non-transient computer readablemedia operably connected thereto to store both executable software forcontrolling operation of the body suit 10, and user data relied onduring such execution of the software for various purposes in whichcontrol of the body suit is tailored according to the particulars of agiven user or given set of users. The executable software embodied instatements and instructions for execution by the one or more processorsmay be stored on separate non-transient computer readable media from theuser data, and either or both of the software and the user data may bedistributed across multiple non-transient computer readable media, forexample in a cloud computing or distributed network environment. Userdata amassed for a plurality of users may be collected and stored withina user database. The computerized controller preferably includes atleast one local computer 20 at the same location as the body suit 10,and connected thereto by a suitable wired or wireless data connection 22by which signals relevant to the control of the body suit can becommunicated back and forth between the body suit and the local computervia an input/output interface thereof. In one example, the connectionmay be made via a USB cable connected to an existing USB interface ofthe local computer and a USB connection port installed on the body suit10.

An on-site digital imaging device 24 is also provided at the samelocation as the body suit 10 and the local computer, and may be operableto capture video images, still 2D images, and/or 3D images. The lattermay be achieved using a dedicated 3D image scanner, or a 3D imagescanner application running on a general-purpose computing device with abuilt-in or externally-connected image capture device (e.g. smartphone,tablet computer, or laptop computer with a built-in camera; or a desktopor laptop computer connected to an a peripheral camera (e.g. webcam)).In some embodiments, the local computer 20 and the on-site digitalimaging device 24 may be embodied together (e.g. in camera-equippedlaptop or tablet, or in a camera-connected desktop computer). The userdata is received at the computerized controller 18 from remote users 26via a wide area network connection 27, for example via the internet.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the body suit 10 is referred to as suchsince, in use, its outer shape generally resembles that of a human body,thus having a head 10 a connected to an underlying torso 10 b by a neck10 c, two arms 10 d hanging alongside the torso from respectiveshoulders on opposing sides thereof, and two legs 10 e hanging from thetorso. While the illustrated example is a full body suit embodying ahead, torso and four appendages to resemble the full human form,alternate embodiments of the body suit may be partial body suitsresembling only partial human form, for example an upper body suitincluding a torso and arms (and optionally a head and neck), but lackingleg appendages, expressly for use with shirts, blouses, sweaters,jackets or other exclusively upper body garments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the body suit that has been verticallysectioned in an anterior-posterior direction at a mid-plane of thetorso. The cross-section reveals that the body suit 10 has a multi-layerconstruction in which each layer features a collection offluid-expandable cells or chambers. Such multi-layered design provides agreater degree of shape-control than achievable with priorshape-adjustable mannequins.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are three distinct tissue-emulatinglayers in the body suit construction, namely an innermostskeletal/muscular tissue layer 30, an intermediate fat tissue layer 32,and an outermost skin tissue layer 34. This helps better approximate thehuman body, where the overall outer shape of the human body isinfluenced by variability in the different human tissue layers. Thismulti-layered design enables more accurate representation of acustomer's physique, body mass index, etc. In addition to such improvedrealism in modeling of the customer's body type, this is also helpful togauge the fit of the clothing in dynamic positions—for example, how apair of pants fit and stretch during exercise of the customer, where theparticular shape of a leg or other body part will vary as muscles areflexed in varying degrees and combinations. The body suit 10 features ahollow central space 28 that spans head to toe of the body suit and issurrounded on all sides by the innermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer30. This hollow central space 28 allows the body suit 10 to optionallybe adorned over a core body that provides a more rigid internalstructure by which the head, torso, arms and legs of the flexible bodysuit can be held in relative positions best resembling various naturalpositions of the human form. The core body may be defined by aconventional statically-sized mannequin of fixed non-adjustable size, orby a size-adjustable unit, for example of the type described elsewhereherein with reference to FIG. 5. However, the body suit 10 mayalternatively be used on its own, absent a core body within the hollowinterior.

Each tissue layer 30, 32, 34 of the body suit 10 is composed of twosub-layers, namely a fluid channel sub-layer 30 a, 32 a, 34 a nearestthe hollow central space 28 of the body suit, and a fluid cell sub-layer30 b, 32 b, 34 b overlying the fluid channel sub-layer. Each fluidchannel sub-layer 30 a, 32 a, 34 a features an inner wall 36 nearest thehollow central space 28, and an outer wall 38 that overlies the innerwall. These inner and outer walls cooperatively delimit a fluid channelbetween them, by which fluid can be pumped into and subsequentlyevacuated from the respective tissue layer of the body suit. Eachfluid-cell sub-layer 30 b, 32 b, 34 b is delimited between the outerwall 38 of the respective fluid channel sub-layer of the same tissuelayer, and an outermost wall 39 of this tissue layer furthest from thehollow central space 28. Each fluid-cell sub-layer is sub-divided orcompartmentalized into individual fluid cells 40 capable of beingselectively filled with pressurized fluid through the adjacent fluidchannel sub-layer of the same tissue layer.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified embodiment of the suit in which the fluid cellsub-layer of each tissue layer comprises only a single array of fluidcells directly adjacent the fluid channel sub-layer of that tissuelayer. However, turning to FIG. 4, each fluid cell sub-layer 30 b, 32 b,34 b may comprise multiple arrays of fluid cells stacked atop oneanother for more refined adjustability in the overall outer shape of thebody suit. In the illustrated example, the innermost skeletal/musculartissue layer 30 features two fluid cells arrays, namely an inner cellarray 42 a situated adjacent the fluid-channel sub-layer 30 a of theinnermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer 30, and an outer cell array 42b situated adjacent the fluid-channel sub-layer 32 a of the intermediatefat tissue layer 32. Each cell array features an inner envelope situatednearest the hollow central space of the body suit, an opposing outerenvelope surrounding the inner envelope, and divider walls eachconnected between the inner and outer envelopes to subdivide the spacetherebetween into the individual fluid cells 40 of the cell array. Theinner envelope of the inner cell array 42 a of the innermostskeletal/muscular tissue layer 30 is defined by a same flexible sheet ormembrane as the outer wall 38 of the fluid channel sub-layer 30 a of theinnermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer 30. The outer envelope of theinner cell array 42 a of the innermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer 30is defined by the same flexible sheet or membrane as the inner envelopeof the outer cell array 42 b of the innermost skeletal/muscular tissuelayer 30. The outer envelope of the outer cell array 42 b of theinnermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer 30 is defined by the sameflexible sheet or membrane as the inner wall 36 of the fluid channelssublayer 32 a of the intermediate fat tissue layer 32.

In the illustrated example, the intermediate fat tissue layer 32 alsofeatures two cell arrays, and so the inner envelope of the inner cellarray 44 a of the intermediate fat tissue layer 32 is defined by thesame flexible sheet or membrane as the outer wall 38 of the fluidchannel sub-layer 32 a of the intermediate fat tissue layer 32. Theouter envelope of the inner cell array 44 a of the intermediate fattissue layer 32 is defined by the same flexible sheet or membrane as theinner envelope of the outer cell array 44 b of the intermediate fattissue layer 32. The outer envelope of the outer cell array 44 b of theintermediate fat tissue layer 32 is defined by the same flexible sheetor membrane as the inner wall 36 of the fluid-channel sub-layer 34 a ofthe outermost skin tissue layer 34.

As shown, the outermost skin tissue layer 34 may feature a greaterquantity of cell arrays than the other tissues layers. In theillustrated example, the outermost skin tissue layer 34 features threecell arrays, namely an inner cell array 46 a situated adjacent thefluid-channel sub-layer 34 a of the outermost skin tissue layer 34, anouter cell array 46 b situated furthest from the hollow central space 28of the body suit, and an intermediate cell array 46 c situated betweenthe inner and outer cell arrays 46 a, 46 b of the outermost skin tissuelayer 34. Accordingly, the inner envelope of the inner cell array 46 aof the outermost skin tissue layer 34 is defined by the same flexiblesheet or membrane as the outer wall 38 of the fluid channel sub-layer 34a of the outermost skin tissue layer 34. The outer envelope of the innercell array 46 a of the outermost skin tissue layer 34 is defined by thesame flexible sheet or membrane as the inner envelope of theintermediate cell array 46 c of the outermost skin tissue layer 34. Theouter envelope of the intermediate cell array 46 c of the outermost skintissue layer 34 is defined by the same flexible sheet or membrane as theinner envelope of the outer cell array 46 b of the outermost skin tissuelayer 34. The outer envelope of the outer cell array 46 b of theoutermost skin tissue layer 34 is defined by an outermost wall of thebody suit that defines the exterior surface 48 of the body suit 10.

Each individual fluid cell 40 features a respective electronic cellcontrol valve 50 installed on the inner envelope of the respective cellarray in which it is found, whereby this cell control valve 50 can beelectronically switched between an open state capable of admitting orexhausting fluid to or from the fluid cell, and a closed statepreventing admission or exhaust of fluid to or from the fluid cell. Eachfluid cell 40 in an outer or intermediate cell array that overlies theinner cell array of the same tissue layer resides in stacked relationovertop a respective fluid cell in the inner array in one to onerelationship therewith. The cell control valves 50 of the inner cellarray in each tissue layer are thus operable to selectively controlwhether fluid can enter or exit the overall fluid cell sub-layer of therespective tissue layer from or to the fluid channel sub-layer of thatsame tissue layer. The cell control valves of the outer or intermediatecell array that overlies a given inner cell array are operable controlwhether fluid can enter or exit this overlying outer or intermediatecell array from or to the underlying inner cell array, and thus arereferred to herein as inter-cell valves. In the three-array outer skintissue layer, the cell control valves of the outer cell array overlyingthe intermediate cell array likewise control whether fluid can enter orexit this overlying outer cell array from or to the underlyingintermediate cell array, and thus are likewise also referred to hereinas inter-cell valves. The fluid cells in each tissue layer arecommunicable only with the fluid-channel sub-layer of the same tissuelayer, and not with the fluid channel sub-layer or fluid cell sub-layerof any other tissue layer.

In each tissue layer of the body suit 10, the inner and outerfluid-channel walls 36, 38, the inner and outer envelopes of the cellarrays, and the divider walls of the cell arrays are defined byrespective sheets or pieces of a flexible and resiliently stretchablematerial, for example rubber, nylon, vinyl, or combinations orcomposites thereof. The fluid channel walls and fluid cell envelopes arethus sheets or membranes of flexible and stretchable material laid overone another, and interconnected by smaller pieces of flexible andstretchable material defining the also-membranelike divider walls thatseparate the individual fluid cells from one another. In a relaxed orunstretched natural state of the material, each fluid cell will thuspossess a minimized internal volume. However, when sufficient fluid tofill the fluid channels of the tissue layers is pumped into the fluidchannels of the tissue layers from the pressurized fluid source, openingof any cell control valve 50 in the inner cell array of any tissue layerwill cause the respective fluid cell of said inner cell array to startfilling with fluid, and once the initial minimal volume of this fluidcell is filled, the continued pumping of the fluid under pressure causespressurization and expansion of that opened fluid cell. The outerenvelope of this inner cell array thus bulges outwardly at thispressurized cell, which in turn pushes the overlying cell array(s) ofthe same tissue layer and any other overlying tissue layer outwardlyaway from the hollow central space 28 of the body suit, therebyimparting a localized rise in the outer shape profile of the body suitat the exterior surface 48 thereof. This degree of localized rise in theouter shape profile can be increased by opening the inter-cell valve ofthe adjacently stacked fluid cell in the overlying outer or intermediatecell array, thus pressurizing and expanding this adjacently stackedfluid cell to again force the exterior surface 48 of the body suitfurther outward at the localized area thereof overlying thesepressurized cells.

In FIG. 4, arrows denote the flow of fluid in the different tissueslayers during expansion thereof. During expansion, the pressurized fluidsource 12 pumps fluid into the fluid channel of each layer via supplyline 14, and the computerized controller opens up cell control valves 50of a particular set of the cells that have been determined to requireexpansion based on a body shape data file indicative of a targeted shapeto be imparted to the body suit. From this body shape data file, bodymeasurement data points are mapped to respective locations on theexterior of the body suit. For any mapped area on the suit, thecontroller knows a maximum outer dimension of the suit corresponding tofull expansion of all fluid cells that underlie said area in all layersand arrays, a minimum dimension corresponding to a collapsed empty stateof all those cells, and an incremental amount by which said area can bedisplaced outwardly by fluidly expanding (e.g. inflating) those cellsindividually from their collapsed empty state. Based on this, thecontroller determines which cell control valves to open based on thetargeted outer dimension for that area of the suit, as dictated by therespectively mapped body measurement data point from the body shape datafile.

FIG. 4 shows a portion of the suit where all cell control valves 50 inboth the inner and outer cell arrays of both the innermostskeletal/muscular tissue layer 30 and the intermediate fat tissue layer32 have been opened over the entire illustrated range of cells in theselayers to accomplish the maximum permitted expansion of these two tissuelayers. Meanwhile, in the outermost skin tissue layer 34, all cellcontrol valves of the inner cell array 46 a are opened over the fullillustrated cell range, while only a smaller subset of cell controlvalves in the intermediate cell array 46 c are opened, thus leavingunopened cells in the intermediate cell array at the left and right endsof the illustrated cell range. In the outer cell array 46 b, only aneven smaller subset of cell control valves are opened, leaving even moreunopened cells in the outer cell array at the left and right ends of theillustrated cell range. This particular pattern of selectively expandedcells among the three cell arrays of the outermost skin tissue layer 34thus creates a non-uniform exterior skin contour of the suit thatfeatures a gradual protuberance peaking near the center of the figure.So, in the outermost skin layer in the illustrated example, all the cellcontrol valves of the inner cell array are opened, but only some of theinter-cell control valves are opened, whereby only select subsets of theintermediate and outer cell arrays are expanded. When the full set ofcells targeted for full or partial expansion in a given tissue layerhave all been expanded to the targeted degree, a fill control valve 51 ain a branch of the supply line 14 feeding that particular tissue layeris closed to maintain the current level of targeted cell expansion inthat layer.

Similar targeted selection of subsets of cell control valves to open canbe used in the innermost skeletal/muscular tissue layer to adjust theexpansion and contour of the outer envelope of its outer cell array tosimulate the skeletal/muscular size and shape of a particular humanbody, while similar targeted sub-selection of cell control valves in theintermediate fat tissue layer can be used to adjust the expansion andcontour of the outer envelope of its outer cell array to simulate thesize and shape of the particular human body's fat tissue layer. Thesetwo layers thus cooperatively define an internal tissue depth of theemulated body shape, while control over the valves of the outermost skintissue layer are used to fine-tune the outermost skin contours of theemulated human body shape, whereby the three layers cooperativelydetermine an overall outer contour of the body suit that resembles thetargeted human body shape. While the illustrated embodiment employsthree independently expandable tissue layers, other embodiments withonly two layers respectively emulating the outer skin tissue andinternal skeletal/muscular/fat tissues may still nonetheless denotenotable improvement over shape adjustable mannequins of the prior art.

During filling/expansion of the suit, and during maintenance of thesuit's targeted level of expansion, respective release valves 51 b inbranches of the return line 16 are held closed. When use of the bodysuit is completed, these release valves 52 are opened to enabledischarge of fluid from the different layers, whether by squeezing orgravitational drain of the suit, or application of suction to the returnline. As mentioned above, a return line running back to the pressurizedfluid source may be omitted in open loop designs, though an exhaust ordrain line may still be included. A separate exhaust/drainage valve 52for each layer may not be necessary if a single return/exhaust/drainageline connects to all layers of the suit, in which case a single valve onthat line may be sufficient. Alternatively, in open-loop designsomitting any kind of return/exhaust/drain line, drain/exhaust portsinstalled directly on the suit itself at the fluid channels of thedifferent tissue layers may be used to release fluid from the suit toreturn it to its fully collapsed/emptied state of minimal size.

The computerized controller may use volume-based or pressure-basedtechniques to determine the “filled” state of the targeted cells. Forexample, knowing a volume of fluid necessary to expand each cell of alayer to a “filled state” of predetermined volume, it can calculate thevolume of flow necessary to accomplish filling of the targeted cells,and use a flow meter in the respective branch of the supply line 14 totrigger closure of the respective fill control valve 51 a once thisvolume of fluid has been pumped through same. Alternatively, each fluidcell may be equipped with a respective internal pressure sensor, whetherintegrated into the cell control valve 52 or provided as a separateunit, which signals the computerized controller via the data connection22 that the cell is “full” once a predetermined pressure threshold isexceeded, in which case receipt of “full” signals from all targetedfluid cells indicates that the layer has been selectively expanded inthe targeted manner. In one embodiment, the state of a fluid cell may begauged in binary terms, either empty or full, where “full” is achievedonly when a static predetermined pressure threshold is met. In otherembodiments with a higher degree of shape adjustability, differentpressure threshold values may be assignable to a cell to denotedifferent relative degrees of partial expansion or fullness that occurbetween a fully-empty or non-expanded state, and a fully expanded state.In such instance, the fully expanded state is equated with a “maximumfillage” pressure threshold, which is set at a safe value below a hazardthreshold at which the fluid cell risks blowout and failure of the bodysuit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cell size among the different tissuelayers decreases in an outward direction from the hollow central space28 of the body suit to the exterior surface 48 thereof. Accordingly, thefluid cells in the skeletal/muscular tissue layer 30 are the largest,the fluid cells in the outermost skin tissue layer 34 are the smallest,and the fluid cells in the intermediate fat tissue layer are of anintermediate size somewhere between the other two cell sizes. Theoutermost skin layer is thus of higher cell resolution (greater numberof cells per given unit area), giving the ability to better fine-tunethe outer shape contour of the body suit, and for example enablereplication of relatively fine skin surface details of a particularhuman body such as raised scars, moles, etc.

The outermost skin tissue layer is equipped with an array of sensors 52each overlying a respective fluid cell in the outer cell array 46 b ofthis layer. Each sensor 52 is operable to determine its location inthree-dimensional space, for example in a three-dimensional X,Y,Zcartesian co-ordinate system. Inclusion of such sensors is beneficial ina number of non-limiting applications described herein in more detailbelow. The same sensors, or supplemental sensors accompanying same, maybe operable to measure the exertion of external pressure against theexterior of the body suit, for example to evaluate tightness or identifypressure points in the worn position of a garment adorned over the bodysuit. The drawings show the sensors 52 as being externally mounted tothe exterior surface 48 of the body suit 10, though they mayalternatively be embedded or integrated within the flexible sheet ormembrane that defines this exterior surface of the body suit and theouter envelope of the outer cell array of the outermost skin tissuelayer 34. As another alternative, the sensors 52 may be mounted on theinternal side of the outer envelope of the skin tissue layer's outersensor array inside the fluid cells thereof. Examples where the sensorsare embedded or integrated within the sheet or membrane include, but notlimited to, flexible and stretchable physical plate sensors, sensingstrips, pressure sensors, polymer film sensors, tape sensors, strainsensors, force sensors, piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors,FET-based sensors, tactile sensors, or combinations thereof. Theembedded scenario includes embodiments in which sensors are envelopedwithin a separate stretchable constituent material of the sheet ormembrane, whereas the integrated scenario includes embodiments in whichthe sensors themselves define respective areas of the sheet or membrane,whether these sensors are stretchable themselves, or are interconnectedby spans of stretchable constituent material.

The exterior surface of the body suit is colored, or selectivelycolorable, in green or blue for enabling application of chroma keycompositing techniques to video or still images taken of the body suit.In one embodiment, the material used for the exterior surface of thebody suit may be produced in a green or blue color, or may be subjectedto a subsequent dying or coating process after production to accomplisha suitable green or blue color. If the sensors are fully embedded in thematerial of the body suit's exterior surface, or are mounted internallyof the body suit, then such green coloring of the exterior surfaceitself is sufficient to provide uniform green or blue color over thefull exterior of the body suit. If the sensors are externally mounted tothe body suit, then they can be produced in, or modified to attain, amatching blue or green color, or can be concealed by suitable green orblue covers matching the green or blue color of the exterior surface 48of the body suit. As opposite to static coloring of the exterior of thebody suit in a green or blue color, another embodiment may employinternal illumination sources (e.g. LEDs) mounted internally of the bodysuit beneath the exterior surface thereof and operable to disperse blueor green colored light into the an otherwise transparent or translucentmaterial used for the outermost membrane of the body suit to selectivelyimpart a blue or green color thereto when said illumination sources areactivated. The internal illumination sources may be multi-colorillumination sources capable of emitting differently coloured light, forexample also enabling illumination of the outermost membrane of the suitin color tones approximating different human skin colors, and or anyother tones in the full colour spectrum that may prove useful.

Having established a general description of the system, attention is nowturned to potential applications for same, and additional details usefulfor such applications.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the remote user 26 of the system may be acustomer who is shopping for an off-the-rack garment that will suitablyfit their particular body shape, seeking production of a made-to-measuregarment based on their particular body shape, or seeking modification ofa new off-the-shelf garment or an existing garment from their owncollection to better fit their current particular body shape. The remoteuser 26 uploads to the computerized controller a respective user dataset including body measurement data representative of their particularbody shape, for example as generated by use of a 3D scanner 60 toperform a full-body scan containing a comprehensive set of measurementdata points providing an accurate shape profile of the user's entirebody. The 3D scanner may be embodied by either a dedicated 3D scanner,whether laser or photogrammetry based, or a 3D scanner applicationrunning on a general-purpose computing device with an appropriate imagecapture device for photogrammetry, for example on a camera-equippedsmartphone, camera-equipped tablet computer, camera-equipped laptopcomputer, or a desktop or laptop computer to which an external imagecapture device (e.g. webcam) is connected. While use of a 3D scanner ispreferred for optimal accuracy, the user may alternatively upload apartial data set based on physical human-performed measurement of theirbody according to a prescribed set of standardized measurement types.The computerized controller can extrapolate an approximation of theuser's particular body shape from this less comprehensive user data set,and store the extrapolation as a comprehensive user data set.

The user data set may optionally also include skin color data ininstances where the body suit is equipped to adopt different exteriorskin colors, as contemplated herein above. The computerized controllermay again employ a cloud computing or distributed network structure, andthus may include an intermediate server to which the user data isuploaded by the remote user, and from which the local computer 20collects the user data. The intermediate server may be a cloud server ordedicated server.

The computerized controller maps body measurement data points from thecomprehensive user data set to an array of respective locations on theexterior of the body suit, each of which preferably corresponds to arespective one of the outermost array of fluid cells 46 b that mostclosely underlies the exterior surface 48 of the body suit. Inembodiments where the body suit is equipped with array of sensors 52each overlying a respective fluid cell of the outer skin tissue layer'souter cell array, each of the mapped body measurement data points isthus assigned to the location at which a respective one of the sensorsresides. The pressurized fluid source 12 is activated, and thecomputerized controller controls opening and closing of select cellcontrol valves 50 of the fluid cells in one or more tissue layers andcell arrays of the body suit 10 in a calculated manner so that eachrespective location on the exterior surface 48 of the body suit isforced outward by the expansion of one or more fluid cells underlyingthat location to an appropriate point in 3D space that matches thecorresponding body measurement data point mapped to that location fromthe comprehensive user data set. Controlled expansion of select fluidcells in this manner thus imparts an outer shape contour to the exteriorsurface 48 of the body suit that matches the scanned or extrapolatedbody shape of the remote user.

At this point, the body suit can be used as a mannequin for customizedproduction of a made-to-measure garment to the particular body shape ofthe remote user, for modeling of an off-the-shelf garment to check thefit of same against the particular body shape of the remote user, or forcustomizing an existing garment to the particular body shape of theremote user. With the made-to-measure garment, unmodified off-the-shelfgarment or customized garment adorned over the body suit 10, videoimages or still 2D or 3D images may then be captured of the body suitand adorned garment using the on-site digital imaging device 24 for thepurpose of enabling viewing of such images by to the remote user 26 sothat they can visually assess the fit of the garment on their particularbody shape.

Rather than providing the remote user with copies of or access to theraw unprocessed images of the body suit and garment, post-productionprocessing of the imagery can be performed using chroma key compositingtechniques to omit any visible portions of the body suit 10 that werenot concealed by the garment, as enabled to the novel application ofgreen or blue coloring of the exterior surface of the body suit 10. Bycapturing the original images of the body suit 10 and garment in frontof a green or blue screen that matches the green or blue color of thebody suit's exterior, chroma key compositing techniques can be used toprovide an isolated image of the garment over any desirable backgroundimage. The resulting composite image may be sent directly to the remoteuser 26, for example by email or SMS, or be simply be made available forviewing or download by the user, for example by posting the images on aninternet website accessible by the remote user, optionally underpassword protection or other secured access technique to prevent viewingby the general public or other users. As an alternative to green/blueillumination of the body suit exterior for chroma key compositingpurposes, the internal illumination sources of the body suit may becontrolled by the computerized controller in a manner simulating theremote user's skin color, if skin color data is present in the user dataset.

Similar use of chroma key compositing techniques with the green or bluecolored body suit can be used to created isolated garment imagery evenin instances where the fluid-adjustable shaping of the body suit was notused specifically to emulate the body shape of a particular remote user.For example, retailers or designers looking to post online images oftheir clothing catalogue in a manner accurately reflecting their shapewhen worn, but without having to either hire a human model or have amannequin visible in the final image, can similarly take advantage ofthe green or blue colored body suit to enable post production isolationof the garment from the body suit. From this, it will be appreciatedthat externally blue or green coloring of a mannequin can beneficiallyexploited for these or other purposes regardless of whether the bodysuit is specifically adjusted to emulate a customer-specific body shape.

When equipped with the sensors 52, the body suit 10 can also be used forthe purposes of testing the maximum allowable external dimensions of agarment, by placing the garment onto the body suit, and then expandingsame to an eventual point of garment failure. Recordal of the sensorpositions during this process can thus be used to gauge the maximum bodydimensions that will properly fit the garment without risking stress ofgarment to the point of failure. In another exemplary application makingbeneficial use of the sensors, readings of uniform pressure among thearray of sensors may be used to gauge an optimal fit of a garment for aparticular body size and shape during design of such garment, or gaugethe optimal body size and shape range for which an already designedgarment is best suited.

The optional sensors 52 may also be useful for other purposes. In oneembodiment, the sensors 52 can be used to provide feedback on the outershape contour achieved by the selectively variable inflation of thevarious fluid cells in the suit. Accordingly, the wired or wirelessconnection 22 between the local computer of the computerized controllerand the body suit 10 may be operable to communicate both outgoingcontrol signals from the computerized controller to the cell controlvalves 50 of the body suit 10, and also feedback signals from thesensors 52 of the body suit 10 back to the computerized controller 18.The computerized controller stores a body data file for a targeted humanbody shape the suit is intended to replicate, for example based on thecomprehensive user data set of a remote user, and maps the bodymeasurement data points from this body data file to the array of sensors52 on the body suit. The sensors thus may be used to provide feedback tothe local computer 20 on when the location of each sensor has reached anappropriate position in space that matches the respective data pointfrom the body data file of the targeted human body shape, at which pointthe valves of the fluid cells in the different tissue layers can all beclosed to maintain the properly achieved outer shape of the body suit.Alternatively, positional feedback from the sensors on the attainedouter shape of the body suit may be omitted, as the system mayalternative be calibrated so that control of the valve timing alone issufficient to provide acceptable body shape accuracy. Where a feedbackmechanism is employed, inclusion of a return/exhaust/drain line may bebeneficial to enable application of a low pressure vacuum or suctionsource thereto to enable targeted collapse/deflation of cells when asensor has been found to overshoot its targeted position matching therespective body measurement data point. With the cell control valves ofother cells held closed, application of such suction enables full orpartial collapse of one or more cells underlying the over-expanded areaof the body suit's exterior.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a core body 62 over which the fluidexpandable body suit 10 may be adorned to cooperatively form aninternally reinforced shape-adjustable mannequin. Arrows are used toillustrate the optional inclusion of telescopically extendable andcollapsible segments 64 in the arms, torso and legs to enable size andshape adjustment of the core body. Articulating joints 66 may beemployed between the segments at the shoulders, elbows, hips and kneesof the core body to enable placement of the mannequin in variouspositions to test the fit and/or failure of a garment in varyingposition of the emulated body shape. As shown in FIG. 1A, to enableplacement of the hollow central space 28 of the fluid expandable bodysuit 10 over the core body 62, the body suit 10 may include a split 61therein running from the groin 10 f to the crown of the head 10 a,preferably up the rear side of the torso. All the tissue layers 30, 32,34 are seamed closed along both sides of the split, and suitablefastening elements (e.g. mating zipper halves) are attached to the bodysuit on both sides of the split to enable selective closure of the splitup the back of the core body 62 once the core body has been receivedlegs-first downwardly into the body suit via the rear split. Asnon-limiting examples, the core body may employ a wire mesh constructionfor its body segments, or a hollow or solid plastic construction forsame.

FIG. 2 illustrates mounting of tether anchors 68 at distal hand and footends of the arms and legs of the body suit 10, for example by removablecoupling of these tether anchors 68 to the distal hand and foot ends ofthe arms and legs of the core body 62 of FIG. 5 once received inside thehollow central space of the body suit 10. Alternatively, the tetheranchors may be affixed to the arms and legs of the body suit itself. Inthe illustrated example, each tether anchor is a rigid collar 70 havinga series of anchor holes 72 opening radially through a circular outerring wall of the collar at angularly spaced positions therearound. A setof tether cords 74 are connected to each tether anchor, for example bytying of lower ends of the tether cords respectively through the anchorholes of the collar. A second end of each tether cord has an adjustableclip or other releasable fastener 76 attached thereto by which thetether cord can be temporarily and releasably coupled to a sleeve, pant,cuff or hem of an arm or leg worn garment (shirt, blouse, sweater,jacket, pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.). This way, the tether cords74 holds the garment in place to prevent or limit “riding up” of thegarment on the arms or legs of the body suit 10 during fluid expansionthereof in instances where garment has been, or must be, adorned on thebody suit prior to expansion thereof (e.g. during the aforementionedpoint-of-failure testing). For each tether anchor, multiple sets oftether cords of varying length may be provided, from among which asuitable set may be selected based on a sleeve or leg length of a givengarment being tested. Alternatively, a single set of relatively longtether cords may be provided for each tether anchor, and an appropriateeffective length of the tether cords is set for a particular garmentsimply by selecting the point on each tether at which it is tied througha respective anchor hole 72, or at which it is otherwise releasablyfastened to the to the tether anchor at a respective anchor pointthereon.

FIG. 6 illustrates suspension of the core body 62 of FIG. 5 from awall-mounted rotational support 78 having a mounting bracket 80 affixedto a wall surface 81 at a spaced elevation above ground or floor level.The height at which the mounting bracket is affixed to the wall isselected to exceed a maximum head-to-toe height of the core body. Asupport arm 82 reaches horizontally forward from the base 80 and awayfrom the wall surface. A motorized spindle 84 at or near a distal end ofthe support arm furthest from the base hangs downward therefrom andcouples to the head of the core body 62 in order to rotatably carry thecore body in a hanging position with its legs elevated off the ground orfloor surface. A power cord 86 coupled to the spindle motor through thesupport arm 82 hangs downwardly from the mounting bracket for plugginginto a conventional AC outlet 88, preferably installed on the same wallnear the mounting bracket. When energized, for example via a manual orremote-controlled on/off power switch incorporated into the rotationalsupport, the motorized spindle 84 rotates the hanging core body 62slowly about a vertical axis through a full 360-degree rotation.

Prior to hanging of the core body 62 from the rotational support, thefluid expandable body suit 10 is fitted over the core body, and expandedto a targeted size and shape by the computerized controller 18 andpressurized fluid source 12 of FIG. 1, whereby the core body 62 and bodysuit 10 cooperatively define an internally reinforced shape adjustablemannequin occupying a temporarily customized shape. With the targetedshape achieved, the cell control valves 50 of the fluid cells 40 in thebody suit default to a closed state in the absence of electricalvalve-opening signals from the computerized controller 18, whereby eachfluid cell remains in its given state of expansion or collapse tomaintain this targeted outer shape of the body suit.

If not already adorned over the body suit 10, a garment is placedthereover, and the mannequin is hung from the wall-mounted rotationalsupport via the head of the core body. The digital imaging device 24 isplaced on the side of the suspended mannequin opposite the wall, and isoperated during rotation of the suspended mannequin to capture still 2Dimages of the body suit body and garment from various angles, or tocapture a full 3D image scan around an entirety of the suspendedmannequin. The captured images can then be chroma key composited to omitany exposed blue or green areas of the body's suit's exterior. The wallsurface 81 in the background may be similarly colored or screened ingreen or blue to enable additional chroma key editing of the backgroundimagery behind the garment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a stand-alone rotational support of similar designand purpose as the wall-mounted rotational support of FIG. 6, but with abase 90 for sitting atop a ground or floor surface 92, and an uprightstanchion 94 that carries the support arm 82 in elevated relation abovethe base to hang the mannequin in spaced relation above the base. Thepower cord 86 in this instance is routed down the stanchion 94 to thebase 90 from the support arm 82 in order to plug into a conventionallyplaced AC outlet near ground/floor level.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wall-mounted rotational support of similar designand purpose as at that of FIG. 6, but modified to replace or augment thesmaller mounting bracket 80 of FIG. 6 with a length of channel 96 thatruns up the wall surface from near ground level. Fastened to the wall,this channel 96 once again carries the support arm 82 in cantileveredfashion reaching outward from the wall, but also provides a concealedrouting path for a fluid supply line 14 that runs upwardly through thechannel 96 into the support arm 82, and then continues onwardtherethrough or therealong to the motorized spindle 84. Here, thefluidly supply line 14 turns downwardly along the rotational axis A_(R)of the spindle into the mannequin, where the supply line 14 feeds intothe fluid channel sub-layer 30 a, 32 a, 34 a of each tissue layer in thebody suit 10 to enable fluid expansion of the body suit while in arotatably hanging position on the rotational support. FIG. 8 shows areturn, exhaust or drain line 16 being routed alongside the supply line14 through the channel 96, support arm 82 and spindle 84, though asmentioned with reference to FIG. 1, such a line may optionally beomitted in the instance of an open loop pneumatic circuit using ambientair as its fluid source.

The pressurized fluid source 12 is placed or mounted at or near groundlevel at or near the bottom end of the channel 96, where the fluidsupply line 14 connects to the pressurized fluid source. Like thepressurized fluid source of FIG. 1, that shown in FIG. 8 may be an aircompressor with a pressure gauge 12 a and pressure relief valve 12 b. Asingle power cord 86 may be used to power both the motorized spindle andthe pressurized fluid source 12, or one dedicated power cord for thespindle could be routed down the channel to emerge at a similar locationto a separate dedicated power cord emerging from the pressurized airsource. The variant of FIG. 8 thus improves on the more basicrotation-only structure of FIG. 6 by incorporating fluid-handlingcomponents into the rotational support itself. By routing the fluid intothe body suit on or along the rotational axis A_(R) from an overheadsupport arm, the shape of the body suit can be adjusted betweenrotations without having to connect and disconnect fluid lines to andfrom the body suit. Similar benefit may be realized from variants inwhich the mannequin is carried on an underlying turntable or spindlethat rotates the mannequin from below, and similarly routes the fluidline(s) on or closely alongside the rotational axis A_(R).

FIG. 9 illustrates a stand-alone rotational support combining elementsof the fluid-handling wall-mounted rotational support of FIG. 8 and therotation-only stand-alone rotational support of FIG. 7. Like that ofFIG. 7, the rotational support of FIG. 9 features a base 90 for sittingatop the ground or floor surface 92, and an upright stanchion 94 thatcarries the support arm 82 in elevated relation above the base to hangthe mannequin in spaced relation above the base. The pressurized fluidsource 12 is placed or mounted atop the base 90, and the fluid supplyline (and optional fluid return/drainage/exhaust line) are routedthrough or along the stanchion 94 and the support arm to the motorizedspindle, where the line(s) connect to the body suit on or along therotational axis A_(R) of the spindle 84. FIG. 9 shows the dual powercord configuration 86′ mentioned above with reference to FIG. 8, butagain, a singular shared power cord may alternatively be used.

In the event the image capturing device 24 is a photogrammetry based 3Dscanner (whether using dedicated scanning hardware, or a scanningsoftware application on a general purpose camera-equipped orcamera-connected computing device), or if the image capturing device 24is substituted by a laser based 3D scanner, this 3D scanner may be usedfor the same feedback purposes described above with relation to thesensors 52, where the 3D scanner performs a 3D scan of the body suitduring or after expansion thereof to the targeted body shape, and sendsmeasurement data from this scan to the computerized controller 18 forthe purpose of confirming or fine-tuning the accuracy of the final bodyshape of the expanded body suit. The body suit may still be equippedwith sensors 52 even where a 3D scanner is used for feedback purposes,whether to serve as a redundant or additional feedback mechanism, or toenable use of the body suit for other sensor-requiring purposes, such asthose contemplated herein above. For other applications, the sensors maybe omitted, with feedback reliance instead being placed solely on theuse of a 3D scanner.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further variant of the self-standing rotationalsupport structure of FIG. 9. The rotational support structure 99 onceagain features a base 90 for sitting atop the ground or floor surface92, an upright stanchion 94 that carries the support arm 82 in elevatedrelation above the base to hang the mannequin in spaced relation abovethe base and underlying floor or ground surface, a fluid source 12placed or mounted atop the base 90, and a fluid supply line (andoptional fluid return/drainage/exhaust line) routed through or along thestanchion 94 and the support arm to the motorized spindle, where theline(s) connect to the body suit on or along the rotational axis A_(R)of the spindle 84. FIG. 10 shows the dual power cord configuration 86′mentioned above with reference to FIG. 9, but again, a singular sharedpower cord may alternatively be used. For the purpose of ensuringcomprehensive 3D imaging of the garment-adorned mannequin, therotational support structure 99 is supplemented by the addition of animage capture guidance system 100 for movably supporting the digitalimaging device 24, which may be embodied in the form of a digitalcamera, camera-equipped smartphone or camera-equipped tablet computer.This way, the digital imaging device 24 can be moved relative to themannequin to acquire images thereof from various predetermined vantagepoints relative thereto, all in an electro-mechanically controlledfashion and with the digital imaging device securely supported at eachvantage point to ensure image stability.

By comparison, using a handheld digital camera, camera-equippedsmartphone, or camera-equipped tablet computer for 3D object datacapture can be extremely challenging for a human operator. The varyingrates of user and object movement, the non-linear human movementmechanics involved (shakiness), and the angle/access of image capture ofthe desired object can all pose significant problems for a humanoperating the digital image capture device. The human operator must makemultiple passes, and possibly at various angles from awkward positionsto capture images on a human, model or mannequin (between the legs,crotch area, underneath extended arms or armpits, on top of shoulders,top of head, etc.). Visual feedback cues as to the success or failure ofthe data capture may be delayed until post data capture productionviewing is possible. Real time feedback may not be possible at all, andeven when possible, viewing real time feedback on the apparatusinterferes with the operator focus needed to perform the actual datacapture process. This can be both time consuming and frustrating for theperson operating the camera/smartphone device.

The image capture guidance system 100 features an upright track 102placed in proximity to, and preferably attached to, the rotationalsupport structure 99. The track 102 has a lower end 102 a situated at ornear ground/floor level, an opposing upper end 102 b situated at or nearthe elevation of the motorized spindle 84 of the rotational supportstructure in a same vertical plane occupied by the lower end 102 a ofthe track. The track does not deviate from this vertical plane in itslongitudinal span between its opposing upper and lower ends. In thepreferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 10, the track has acurved shape, for example spanning a circular or elliptical arc, and isoriented to face a concave side of the track toward the rotational axisA_(R) of the rotational support structure 99 so that this concave sideof the track faces the mannequin when hung from the rotational supportstructure 99. The bottom end 102 a of the curved track 102 resides at ornear the point at which the rotational axis A_(R) of the rotationalsupport structure 99 intersects the ground or floor surface 92, whilethe opposing upper end 102 b of the curved track resides at equal ornear elevation to the motorized spindle 84 of the rotational supportstructure, and in close proximity to the front side of the spindle, i.e.the side thereof furthest from the stanchion 94. In the illustratedexample, this places the upper end 102 b of the track 102 at or shortlybelow the distal end of the support arm 82 of the rotational supportstructure 99, and above the head of the mannequin suspended from thespindle. Meanwhile, the ground/floor-adjacent lower end 102 a of thetrack resides at an elevation near, and preferably slightly below, thatoccupied by the feet of the suspended mannequin.

A track support frame 104 is attached to a lower half of the track 102at a distance forwardly from the track's lower end 102 a to prop thetrack 102 into its upright position in front of the rotational supportstructure 99. A ground-level connector 106 of the image capture guidancesystem 100 preferably joins the guidance system 100 to the base 90 ofthe rotational support structure 99 in at least a mechanical fashion,thereby lending additional stability to the track 102 and attachedsupport frame 104, and also acting to positively position the track 102at a predetermined position and orientation relative to the rotationalsupport structure 99. In the illustrated example, the ground levelconnector 106 is attached to the track support frame 104 at a rear sidethereof nearest the base 90 of the rotational support structure, andspans rearwardly from the track support frame 104 to join with the frontside of the base 90.

This ground-level connector 106 may form a permanent connectionirremovably affixed to the base 90. More preferably, the ground-levelconnector 106 is instead a selectively attachable/detachable connectorallowing the image capture guidance system 100 to be optionally attachedand detached to and from the rotational support structure 99. The latteroption enables the image capture guidance system 100 to be sold as anoptional add-on accessory to a standardized rotational support structure99, and allows separation of the two units (i.e. the rotational supportstructure 99, or “rotation unit”; and the image capture guidance system100, or “guidance unit”) into separate components for more compactstorage and transport when not in use. FIG. 10A illustrates optionalseparation of the guidance unit 100 from the rotation unit 99, andreveals a rear terminal coupler 106 a on the connector 106 that ismatable with a corresponding front terminal coupler 90 a on the base 90of the rotation unit.

These couplers 106 a, 90 a, in additional to establishing amechanically-fastened connection between the two units, may also serveto establish electrical connections therebetween, whether for thepurpose of powering electronic componentry thereof, and/or controllingoperation of such componentry. For example, the couplers 106 a, 90 a mayeach comprise one of either a male plug or a female socket with suitableelectrical contacts therein for establishing electrical closure of ashared power and/or communication bus of the two units. FIG. 10schematically illustrates a shared power bus 108 running through theconnector 106 from a shared power cord 86 a of the rotational supportstructure 10, whereby plugging of said shared power cord 86 a into amains AC power outlet 88 is operable to power electric motors of bothunits 99, 100 through this shared power bus. While the illustratedexample employs a dual power cord configuration 86′ featuring a separatepower cord 86 b for the pressurized fluid source 12, the pressurizedfluid source may alternatively be powered through the same shared powerbus 108 and cord 86 a as the electric motors.

While the illustrated embodiment features a ground-level connection 106between the track support frame 104 and the base 90 of the rotationalsupport structure 99, the track 102 itself, at or near the lower endthereof, may additionally or alternatively connect to the base 90 of therotational support structure 99. While the illustrated embodimentemploys only a ground-level connection 106, one or more additionalconnections may be made at more elevated locations along the track. Forexample, the upper end of the track 102 b, being situated in proximityto the distal end of the support arm 82, may be connected thereto inorder to further support the track 102 in its predetermined, stableposition relative to the rotational support structure 99.

The image capture guidance system features a carriage 110 configured totravel up and down the track 102 on the curved longitudinal path thereofbetween the track's upper and lower ends. FIG. 11 shows one non-limitingexample for implementing such carriage movement along the track, butomits the track curvature in the interest of illustrative simplicity.The illustrated track 102 features rack teeth 112 on the rear concaveside thereof that faces the rotational support structure 99 andsuspended mannequin. The carriage 110 is a motorized carriage featuringat least one motor-driven gear 114 that intermeshes with the rack teeth112 of the track. An opposing front convex side of the track 102 thatfaces away from the rotational support structure 99 and suspendedmannequin features a smooth guide surface against which one or moreidling guide rollers 116 of the carriage 110 ride in rolling fashion sothat the carriage's motorized gear 114 is maintained in operableengagement with the rack teeth 112, thereby preventing gravitationalfall of the carriage 110 from the track at any point of its curvilineartravel therealong. With one motorized gear 114 on the toothed side ofthe track 102 and two guide rollers 116 on the opposing side of thetrack, or vice versa, the carriage 110 is also maintained in apredetermined orientation relative to the track 102.

A rear side of the carriage 110 facing toward the rotational supportstructure 99 and the suspended mannequin features a device holder 117configured to removably hold a digital camera, smartphone, tabletcomputer or similar digital imaging device 24 in a position facing thecamera lens (and flash, if so equipped) thereof rearwardly away from thetrack 102 and toward the rotational support structure 99 and rotatablysuspended mannequin. In addition to the rack teeth 112, the track mayfeature electrical contact rails (not shown) against which electricalcontacts (not shown) of the carriage are biased for slidable,electrically conductive contact with the rails to provide power and/orcontrol signals to the gear motor of the carriage, thereby controllingrotation of the motor-driven gear 114 and the carriage's resultingtravel along the track.

As described above for the other variants of the rotational supportstructure 99, the computerized control system 18 is communicablyconnected thereto, for example by USB or other wired or wirelessconnection 22 between the local computer 20 and the rotational supportstructure. In the example where a shared communication bus of therotation and guidance units 99, 100 connects to both the motorizedspindle 84 of the rotation unit and the electrical contact rails of thetrack 102, the computerized control system's singular connection to therotation unit 99 is sufficient to not only control rotation of themannequin, but also control movement of the carriage 110 and theattached digital imaging device 24 along the track 102. However, it willbe appreciated that separate connections from the computerized controlsystem 18 to the rotation and guidance units 99, 100 may alternativelybe employed. While the schematic illustration in FIG. 10 shows the USBor other wired connection 22 being made near the top of the rotationunit 99 in direct or near-direction connection to the motorized spindle84 thereof, this is merely one non-limiting example, and wiredconnection between the computerized control system 18 and the rotationunit 99 may be accomplished at any variety of locations thereon, forexample closer to ground level, whether at the base 90 or at someintermediate elevation on the stanchion 94 part way between the base 90and the support arm 82. It will also be appreciated that the two units99, 100 need not share a common power bus fed by a shared power cord 86a, and may instead each have a separate dedicated power cord.

The computerized control system 18 is also communicably connected to thedigital imaging device 24, preferably by way of a wireless connection22′. However, wired connection may alternatively be employed, providedthat appropriate wire management is adopted to prevent any such wiredconnection from either entanglement, or interference with carriagemovement along the track. By sending motor control signals through theshared communication bus of the rotational and guidance units to boththe motorized spindle 84 of the rotational unit 99 and the motorizedcarriage 110 of the guidance unit 100, and by sending image capturecommands to the digital imaging device 24, the computerized controlsystem 18 is operable to control relative timing between rotation of themannequin, travel of the digital imaging device 24 up and down the track102, and capture of images by the digital imaging device 24. Softwarefor triggering image capture by one or more digital imaging devices froma separate computerized device (in this case, the computerizedcontroller 18) is already known in the art and commercially available,and thus is not described herein in further detail.

The rotational unit 99, guidance unit 100, connected controller 18, andseparate general-purpose digital imaging device 24, when installed inholder of the carriage 110, thus collectively form a system operable tocapture comprehensive three-dimensional imagery of the rotatablysuspended mannequin and any garments adored thereon for modelingpurposes. With the mannequin suspended on the rotation unit 99, andhaving been adorned with one or more garments, and previously orsubsequently inflated by the computerized control system 18 to anappropriate degree at appropriately targeted cells according to thestored measurement data points of a particular user's body profilestored in the computerized control system 18, the image data capturesequence can be initiated.

First, a digital camera, camera-quipped smartphone, camera-quippedtablet or other digital imaging device 24 is secured in the deviceholder 117 of the carriage 110. A motor control circuit on the carriage110 selectively provides the carriage motor with operating voltage fromthe shared power bus 108 via the electrical contact rails of the track102, or a subset thereof if the electrical contact rails include bothpower distribution and communication rails. Selective energization ofthe carriage motor from these power distribution rails by the motorcontrol circuit is dictated by input control signals, for examplereceived thereby via such a communication rail. Alternatively, theelectrical contact rails may consist solely of the power distributionrails, with control signals instead being transmitted to the motorcontrol circuit of the carriage 110 by other means, for example bywireless communication with the computerized controller 18 if thecarriage is equipped with a wireless receiver or transceiver. As afurther alternative, wired power and/or control connections to thecarriage 110 may be employed in place of electrical contact rails and/orwireless control communication, provided again that suitable wiremanagement is adopted. In another alternative, the carriage 110 mayemploy an on-board battery to power its motor and motor control circuit,and wireless receiver/transceiver if so equipped, provide that theenergy requirements of the motorized conveyance of the carriage andassociated components carried thereon are sufficiently low to makebattery-based implementation practical. In such implementations, theelectrical contact rails and shared power bus may be omitted.

Through automated control of the motorized carriage 110 by thecomputerized controller 18, the digital imaging device 24 is drivenrepeatedly up and down the track 102 at a controlled, and preferablyuniform, rate of speed, while the computerized controller simultaneouslytriggers continuous or periodic image capture by the digital imagingdevice 24 on an ongoing basis during this repeated travel up and downthe track 102 between the lower and upper ends 102 a, 102 b thereof. Ineach such vertical pass of the digital imaging device 24, whether upwardor downward along the track, images are captured over a full range ofvantage points, thus capturing upwardly angled points of view from alower segment of the track situated below the mannequin's midsection,downwardly angled points of view from an upper segment of the tracksituated above the mannequin's midsection, and a more straight-on pointof view from a central region of the track at or near the mannequin'smidsection.

Meanwhile, whether performed on a continuous basis at a slow ratethroughout ongoing vertical passes of the digital imaging device 24 upand down the track, or performed on an indexed or incremental basis onlyat time intervals between sequential vertical passes of the digitalimaging device, the computerized controller 18 drives rotation of themotorized spindle 84 of the rotational support structure 99 to rotatethe mannequin about the rotational axis. Through the combination ofautomated vertical travel of the imaging device 24 on the curved track102, automated rotation of the mannequin on a continuous or incrementalbasis, and automated image capture by the imaging device 24 at variouselevational points in its vertical travel, a comprehensivethree-dimensional image capture of the mannequin and its adornedgarment(s) is achieved, and stable image capture is ensured by themechanical support of the imaging device 24 at each and every vantagepoint from which the images were captured. Meanwhile, the optional butpreferable use of a separately discrete, general purposes digitalimaging device 24 (digital camera, smartphone, tablet computer, etc.)keeps the cost of the image capture guidance system low by omitting adedicated imaging device. While the image capture guidance system isparticularly useful in combination with a shape-adjustable mannequin, itwill be appreciated that it could also be used for three-dimensionalimaging of a conventional fixed-size mannequin.

From the forgoing, it will be appreciated that the unique body suit ofthe present invention has several useful applications, including, butnot limited to:

-   1. Use for pre-production techniques in the garment industries,    where the body shape data files can be used for pattern making or    can be incorporated into existing pattern-making software systems.-   2. Use for post-production techniques on existing garments,    including alterations to existing garments; use for garment testing    purposes—i.e. evaluating the maximum permitted expansion of a    garment before failure; evaluating restrictive areas in a garment    design—i.e. knees, elbows, crotch area; evaluating the    elasticity/stretch of various kinds of fabric or sewing/integrating    techniques; etc.-   3. Use for made-to-measure garment production based on a 3D scan of    the customer's body.-   4. Use to capture the customer's desired garment fit based on photos    or actual samples of the customer's existing clothing, or based on    ‘stylist’ advise or recommendation. In such scenarios, the body suit    is expanded to the customer's body shape and a garment adorned over    the expanded body suit is compared against a “desired fit” based    on (i) provided photographic evidence of a customer's preferred    fit, (ii) a sample garment obtained from the customer to reflect    their preferred fit, or (iii) a stylist's suggested/recommended fit.-   5. Use for data collection and analysis, optionally using artificial    intelligence, for identifying mass consumer sizing patterns based on    accurate measurements of a population sample of remote users and    cross-referenced by multiple categories; i.e.—waist size, height,    neck length, neck circumference, wrist bone to middle of back of    hand calculation (for suit jacket hang length) etc.-   6. Use for creating a World Wide Accurate Garment Sizing Standard    (WWAGSS). By nature of the accuracy of every single body dimension    calculation based on a body scan, a whole new “Body measurement”    system can be an accepted and accredited as the “New Standard” to be    used by consumers, designers, pattern makers, and garment    manufacturers, eliminating multiple garment sizing standards    currently employed.

Since various modifications can be made in the invention as herein abovedescribed, and many apparently widely different embodiments of samemade, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanyingspecification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in alimiting sense.

1. A shape adjustable body comprising: a body suit resembling at least apartial human body form, and comprising a plurality of fluid-expandablelayers, including: an outer skin layer comprising an outer plurality offluid-expandable cells arranged for selective fluid-driven expansionthereof in varying degrees or quantities to create a variable exteriorskin contour of said body suit; and one or more additional layersunderlying the outer skin layer and arranged for selective fluid-drivenexpansion thereof varying degrees or quantities to create a variableinternal tissue depth beneath said variable exterior skin contour ofsaid body suit, whereby the variable skeletal/tissue depth and variableexterior skin contour cooperatively determine an overall outer bodycontour of the body suit.
 2. The shape adjustable body of claim 1wherein the one or more additional layers each comprise a respectiveplurality of fluid-expandable cells of larger size than the outerplurality of fluid-expandable cells in the outer skin layer.
 3. Theshape adjustable body of claim 1 wherein the one or more additionallayers comprises an innermost layer contributing a skeletal/muscularshape profile, and an intermediate layer disposed between the innermostlayer and the outer skin layer and contributing a fat tissue contouratop said skeletal/muscular shape profile.
 4. The shape adjustable bodyclaim 1 wherein the outer skin layer comprises a fluid channelunderlying at least some of the outer plurality of fluid-expandablecells, each of which is fluidly communicable with said fluid channelthrough a respective control valve operable to control opening andclosing of the outer plurality of fluid-expandable cells to said fluidchannel.
 5. The shape adjustable body of claim 1 wherein at least someof the outer plurality of fluid-expandable cells each have at least oneof the following: (a) a positional sensor that is mounted on, embeddedin, or integrated within an outer envelope of the outermost skin layerand is operable to monitor a position in space to which said positionalsensor is displaced by fluid-driven expansion of said body suit; (b) aflow sensor operable to measure fluid flow into the fluid-expandablecell; (c) a pressure sensor mounted on, embedded in, or integratedwithin an outer envelope of the outermost skin layer operable to gauge atightness of a garment adorned thereover.
 6. The shape adjustable bodyof claim 1 in combination with a pressurized fluid source and acomputerized controller storing body shape data representative of atargeted human body shape to be emulated by said body suit, wherein saidpressurized fluid source is coupled to the body suit to conveypressurized fluid to the fluid-expandable cells, the computerizedcontroller is connected to a plurality of valves installed in fluidpathways between the pressurized fluid source and the outer plurality offluid-expandable cells, and the computerized controller, based on amapping of body measurement data points from the body shape data to theplurality of fluid-expandable outer cells, is operable to control saidplurality of valves to selectively expand the fluid-expandable cells toemulate the targeted human body shape.
 7. The shape adjustable body ofclaim 1 wherein an exterior of the outer skin layer is colored, orarranged for selective coloring, in green or blue for enablingapplication of chroma key compositing techniques to video or stillimages taken of said body suit.
 8. The shape adjustable body of claim 7wherein the body suit comprises internally located illumination sourcesoperable to impart blue or green color to the exterior of the outer skinlayer.
 9. The shape adjustable body of claim 1 wherein the body suitcomprises internally located illumination sources operable to impartcolored illumination to an exterior of the outer skin layer to simulatea skin color of a human subject.
 10. The shape adjustable body of claim1 wherein said body suit has a hollow central space that spans head totoe of said body suit and is surrounded by the outermost skin layer andthe one or more additional layers, whereby said body suit compatible foruse with a separate core body over which the body suit is wearable as aseparate cover.
 11. The shape adjustable body of claim 1 comprising aset of tether anchors mounted or mountable at extremities of the bodysuit, and for each tether anchor, at least one tether having a first endconnected or connectable to said tether anchor and a second endconnectable to a sleeve, leg cuff or hem of a garment worn over saidbody suit to prevent said garment from riding up from the extremities ofsaid body suit during expansion thereof.
 12. The shape adjustable bodyof claim 1 in combination with a rotational support structure by whichsaid body suit can be revolved about an axis, and comprising a fluidconveyance conduit entering said body suit on or along said axis. 13.The shape adjustable body of claim 1 wherein the plurality offluid-expandable cells of the outer skin layer comprise at least a firstarray of fluid-expandable cells, a first inner envelope shared by saidfirst array of fluid-expandable cells, a first outer envelope shared bysaid first array of fluid-expandable cells, and a first set of dividingwalls spanning between the first inner and outer envelopes to subdividea first space therebetween into individual cells of the first array,whereby fluid-driven expansion of the individual cells of the firstarray in different degrees or quantities will bulge some areas of thefirst outer envelope further outwardly away from the first innerenvelope than other areas, thereby establishing non-uniformity in thevariable exterior skin profile.
 14. The shape adjustable body of claim13 wherein the outer skin layer comprises a second array offluid-expandable cells underlying the first array of fluid-expandablecells, a second set of divider walls spanning between the inner envelopeof the first array of fluid-expandable cells and an inner envelope ofthe second array of fluid-expandable cells to subdivide a second spacetherebetween into individual cells of the second array which are eachneighboured by an adjacently stacked cell of the first array, and arespective inter-cell control valve installed between each individualcell of the second array and the adjacently stacked cell of the firstarray at the inner envelope of the first array to control airflow intothe adjacently stacked cells of the first array from the individualcells of the second array during expansion of the outer skin layer. 15.A shape adjustable body comprising a body suit resembling at least apartial human body form and comprising an expandable/collapsible layerthat comprises at least a first array of fluid-expandable cells, a firstinner envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandable cells, afirst outer envelope shared by said first array of fluid-expandablecells, and a first set of dividing walls spanning between the firstinner and outer envelopes to subdivide a first space therebetween intoindividual cells of the first array, whereby fluid-based expansion ofthe individual cells of the first array to different degrees will bulgerespective areas of the first outer envelope further outwardly away fromthe first inner envelope to establish a non-uniform profile at the outerenvelope of said array that contributes to or defines an outer bodycontour of the body suit.
 16. A shape adjustable body comprising a bodysuit resembling at least a partial human body form and comprising aplurality of fluid-expandable cells arranged for selective fluid-drivenexpansion thereof in varying degrees or quantities to create a variableouter body contour of said body suit, and an exterior that is colored,or arranged for selective coloring, in green or blue for enablingapplication of chroma key compositing techniques to video or stillimages taken of said body suit.
 17. A method of using the shapeadjustable body of claim 16 comprising, with the body suit fluidlyexpanded to acquire a particular outer body contour resembling atargeted human body shape, capturing one or more digital images of agarment that is adorned on said body suit in a position covering someareas of said body suit while leaving one or more other green or bluecolored areas of said exterior of said body suit exposed outside thegarment, then using chroma key compositing to generate one or morecomposite images in which the one or more other green or blue coloredareas of said body suit are omitted.
 18. A shape adjustable bodycomprising: a body suit resembling at least a partial human body form,and comprising: at least one expandable/collapsible layer thatcomprises: at least a first array of fluid-expandable cells; and a fluidchannel underlying said first array of fluid-expandable cells, each ofwhich is fluidly communicable with said fluid channel through arespective control valve operable to control opening and closing of thefluid-expandable cells to said fluid channel.
 19. A system for modelingclothing on a body form, said system comprising: a shape-adjustablemannequin comprising a body suit resembling at least a partial humanbody form and comprising plurality of fluid-expandable cells arrangedfor selective fluid-driven expansion thereof in varying degrees orquantities to create a variable exterior skin contour of said body suit;and a rotational support structure by which said shape-adjustablemannequin is rotatably supported or supportable to enable drivenrotation of said shape-adjustable mannequin about an axis by therotational support structure to enable image capture of any garmentsadorned on said shape-adjustable mannequin from multiple sides thereof;wherein the system is further characterized by inclusion of at least oneof the following features: (a) a fluid conveyance conduit supported on,or incorporated into, the rotational support structure to enable saidfluid-driven expansion of the fluid-expandable cells of the body suitvia said fluid conveyance conduit while said shape-adjustable mannequinis connected to the rotational support for driven rotation thereby;and/or (b) a fluid pump supported on, or incorporated into, therotational support structure to effect said fluid-based fluid-drivenexpansion of the fluid-expandable cells of the body suit.
 20. A systemfor capturing, or enabling capture of three-dimensional imagery ofclothing modeled on a body form, said system comprising: a mannequin;and a rotational support structure by which said mannequin is rotatablysupported or supportable to enable driven rotation of said mannequinabout an axis by the rotational support structure to enable imagecapture of any garments adorned on said mannequin from multiple sidesthereof; and an image capture guidance assembly comprising: a trackplaced or placeable in an upright working position facing the axis ofthe rotational support structure at a distance outward therefrom; acarriage configured for back and forth movement along said track inupward and downward directions thereon; and a holder on said carriageadapted to hold a digital imaging device thereon in an orientationfacing toward the axis of the rotational support to capture imagery ofthe mannequin when rotatably supported by the rotational support,whereby movement of the carriage up and down said track enables imagecapture by said digital imaging device at multiple elevations along saidtrack.